Filipino American Writers Celebrate their Filipino Legacy at 4th Filipino American Book Festival

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SAN FRANCISCO, USA (DWDD) – As part of its Filipino American History Month celebration, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco partnered with the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) for the 4th Filipino American Book Festival (Filbookfest), a weekend-long event with activities held at the Philippine Center and the San Francisco Public Library from October 05 to 08.

With the theme “Pamana: Creating Legacy,” with the Filbookfest Committee, the Festival kicked off on October 05, with a film showing of “Dahling Nick,” a three-hour biopic of Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, by husband and wife film makers Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat.

Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. congratulated the Committee for its “commitment to the younger generation to provide them platforms where they could connect with their heritage, culture and Community through books and publications,” adding that it is through these celebrations that “we continue to contribute to the cultural enrichment and diversity of the US, while at the same time, inspiring the younger generation of Fil-Ams to be proud of their heritage.”

The Consulate also hosted the film showing of “Komikero Chronicles,” a film that documents the evolution of comics in the Philippines, starting with Philippine National Hero Jose P. Rizal, who was the first documented komikero of the nation, and explores how Filipino comic artists were discovered by mainstream companies like DC and Marvel.

Represented during the Festival were young comic book creators, including Philippine-based Mervin Malonzo, whose graphic novels “Tabi Po” were picked up by Channel 5, and US-based comic book writers who expressed their thanks to PAWA for supporting the genre and for allowing the youth to take part in the Festival.

This year’s activities included author and poet readings; panel discussions on comics, graphic novels and manga, film showings, as well as a market place highlighting the works of Filipino authors.

The Festival had a closing reception at the historic International Hotel, which was home to a large population of Filipino immigrants in the 1960s. DFA/MCAG

The San Francisco Public Library opened its doors to Filipino American authors during the Filbookfest